Wow, I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since my last post!!! I want to dedicate this post to big man James and how he's 10 now, and oh so cool. We had his birthday party last weekend {October 22} and it was a blast! We had his party at home {which I will NEVER do again} and we had cupcakes and carnival games in the garage. I wasn't sure how it would go over, but the bobbing for apples was a hit! Darius won, grabbing 7 apples. And, the boys got soaked from head to toe. After blowing out the candles, we had a cupcake eating race {no hands}, which James won. I'm thinking we should have had the cupcake race, then bobbing for apples so they boys could wash off. But, not to worry, they didn't have a problem with dunking their heads back in the water. We also had a pinata, and I swear the candy was gone in 30 seconds. After games and cake and ice cream cake, we opened presents. James scored a lot of Nerf guns, some hunting gear, and a new MP3 player from us. I heard him say this was his best birthday ever. That melts my heart!!

Big man's actual birthday is on October 25th. We had a busy day! James was out of school for parent/teacher conferences, so him and Gene spent the day together. When I got home, we went to conferences, then we had basketball games. Gail, Stanton, and Chandler came up to see his game and celebrate again! After the game, we went to our favorite local Mexican joint and had dinner and sopapillas for dessert. I was a little disappointed they don't sing and make a big deal out of birthdays, but none the less, I think James had a great time. I hope he will always remember turning 10 and being surrounded by his friends and family who love him dearly.

James, we love you so much. You have overcome a lot of struggles in your short life and we couldn't be more proud of you. You are doing well in school, you are our big sports star, and still the sweetest little guy. Please, please don't grow up! I guess we can't stop it, but I also can't wait to see who you grow up to be. Never forget who's always been there for you. Never forget who's been there for all the big moments in your life. There are people out there who will tell you things to get back at others, but when it comes down to it, always remember who took care of you when you were sick, who drove you to practices, and who has always done what's best for you. Your dad and I love you so much!! Happy 10th Birthday!!

Friday, October 14, 2011

We've been crazy busy the past couple of weeks. James made the all-star football team!! We are so proud of him!! Now we are juggling football and basketball practices. I sometimes wonder if we are going to show up to basketball practice with football pads on. The way I've been feeling lately, it's a real possibility: ) We should have a football tournament sometime in November and basketball runs now through the first of November. Maybe after Thanksgiving, I can take a breath. I try not to complain because I really do love watching James play sports. I love the confidence it gives him!

So last weekend, we went camping with James' Aunt Gail, Uncle Stanton, and Miss Chan. We went down to White Rock which is deep in the woods off of the Pig Trail. The driver was beautiful since the leaves were starting to change. Our campsite was amazing! Riding 4 wheelers was so much fun, dinner was good, the smores were better, and then it got dark! James was ready to go home. He is so afraid of the dark, poor kid. Well, I thought I was going to be fine until Gene, Stanton, and Gail heard a mountain lion/panther/cougar. Whatever you call them in your area. Luckily, we came armed, but I was about {this close} to sleeping in the truck. I know there are bears down there, but actually knowing that someone heard something made my skin crawl! I definitely want to go back, but I don't know how I'll sleep :)

Tomorrow, James and I are going to Springfield, MO to pickup his glasses. Please pray that these glasses will make homework time a little bit easier. We also have Fletcher's 1st birthday tomorrow. I can't believe him and cousin Owen are now 1!! Oh how time flies!!

I also have to get the house cleaned up this weekend and get everything ready for James' birthday party next weekend. Big man is going to be 10!! We are having a huge party here at home. Gene said it will be organized chaos...I'm questioning the organized part.

Well I hope you all have a great week. I hope to find time to post again soon!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

So, I think I need to precede this story with a little update. We have a new pet in addition to the lizard. It's a tree frog named Yellow Legs. They currently share a fish tank and I think we are going to have to expand if James brings home any more 'pets.'

Yesterday morning, James comes running in my bathroom while I'm straightening my hair. This is how the conversation went:

James: Yellow Legs CROAKED!!

Me: Oh really, is he still in the cage?

James: Yes

Me: Well, you need to throw him out.

James: Why? You don't want him jumping all over the house, do you?

Me: How can a dead frog jump?

James: He's not dead!! He CROAKED!!

Me: Oh, you mean he croaked as in like a frog?

James: Ya!

Me: Ok, cool. Go wash your hands.

And, here I was hoping we had one less varmint in the house. Silly me.